Driving Community Forward: How the Strathie Hopper Took Shape

This post is written by our Development Manager for Scotland Nicola Mitchell. If you're a CTA Member looking for similar support you can find and get in touch with your country team on our Contact Us page.

Across Scotland, communities are finding practical and innovative ways to tackle transport challenges. In the Vale of Strathmore, the story of the Strathie Hopper is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local determination is matched with the right support.

We spoke with Bob Ellis, Chairperson of the Strathie Hopper, about how the project was born and the journey that it took to get where it is today. 

Just six months ago, a small but committed group of local organisations in Coupar Angus came together in response to a shared concern: transport barriers affecting clubs, groups and residents. Representatives from the junior football club, local churches, youth activities group, Blairgowrie & District Rotary Club, and Perth & Kinross Council’s Community Learning and Development Team came together to begin exploring solutions.

At the same time, Perth & Kinross Council were offering old, retired minibuses to community groups which was an opportunity this newly formed partnership couldn’t pass up. Their successful application marked the beginning of a journey that would quickly gather momentum, seeing them formalise into a SCIO, and launch a new shared community transport service all within a few months 

From Idea to Impact

Speaking with Bob Ellis, he shared:

“The group have worked very hard over the 6 months, coming up with various ideas, one of the first was what area do we cover. The answer to this was easy, the Vale of Strathmore area. We then came up with a catchy name – the Strathie Hopper. On top of this, we had to decide how we intend to operate this community service mode of transport”.  

In addition to serving the wider Vale of Strathmore area, it was decided that the Strathie Hopper would support local clubs with weekend transport while also addressing gaps in provision for communities and residents, in outlying areas particularly those without access to a car. Further plans include transport to medical appointments, connections for isolated villages, and regular shopping trips. The service will be pre-bookable for members.

Behind the scenes, the group met frequently, refining their vision and building the foundations of a robust, community-led transport service.

Supporting the Project

As Development Manager for Scotland, I was delighted to support the working group through this journey, and it is great to see the Strathie Hopper come to life. I started to work with the group early on in their journey when the idea of applying for a minibus was still taking shape.

CTA’s role is to provide advice and support and practical guidance to help turn ambition into a deliverable, compliant service.

My role has been to support the working group meeting with them several times and providing a range of written resources and template documents to offer guidance and to support them with their decision-making processes.  This included: 

• Advising on legal responsibilities around passenger transport
• Explaining permit requirements and licensing regulations
• Providing template policies and operational documents
• Assisting with governance and writing their articles of association
• Supporting the group to develop safe, effective working practices
• Supporting the group to write operational policies and work through the setting up process 

Reflecting on the support he received along the way, Bob said:

“We met monthly at first and then it was every 2 weeks. I have to say that the support that we had from the Council’s Public Transport Team, the Community Transport Association and PKC’s Community Learning and Development Officer was simply outstanding, we just wouldn’t be where we were and are without them.”

This kind of support is central to CTA’s objectives and a central part of our Community Development programme - enabling communities to create transport solutions that are safe, accessible and tailored to local need.

A Community Celebration

With strong foundations in place, the group set an ambitious launch date: 21st March, which coincided with the local “Coupar Cares” event. The result was a true community celebration.

Around 270 local residents turned out on a bright, sunny day to mark the official launch of the Strathie Hopper, led by local MSP and First Minister, John Swinney. The group showed off their new minibus and even recruited a few volunteers. The turnout reflected both the level of local support and the clear need for the service. 

Looking Ahead

Today, the Strathie Hopper stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose, and when they are supported with the right expertise at the right time.

CTA is proud to have supported this journey, helping the group navigate the complexities of setting up a community transport service while keeping their focus firmly on the people they serve.

As the Strathie Hopper begins its work across the Vale of Strathmore, it offers more than just transport - it offers connection, opportunity, and a stronger sense of community.

If you, like the Strathie Hopper are thinking about setting up a community transport service and need some guidance or want to chat through your ideas, get in touch with us at scotland@ctauk.org to arrange some in-depth 1-2-1 development support with a member of the team. Don’t forget, our knowledgeable Advice team is also here to help and can be contacted at advice@ctauk.org. 

I wish the Strathie Hopper lots of success and can’t wait to hear how the service develops.  Anyone looking to find out more or offer some experience and time (maybe as a volunteer), please contact the Strathie Hopper on strathiehopper@gmail.com or on 07594 659880.